Ethics

Introduction: Meenu’s behavior, where she claims to be fond of social service but refrains from participating in actual social welfare activities, can be analyzed through various psychological lenses. This discrepancy between her words and actions can be attributed to several psychological factors, including cognitive dissonance, social desirability bias, lack of intrinsic motivation, and fear of commitment or failure.

1. Cognitive Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a conflict between an individual’s beliefs and behaviors. Meenu’s assertion of being fond of social service creates a positive self-image, but her lack of involvement in social activities contradicts this belief. To reduce this dissonance, she might avoid engaging in these activities, subconsciously justifying her behavior by downplaying the importance of her actions or convincing herself that she will participate in the future.

2. Social Desirability Bias: Meenu’s behavior could be influenced by social desirability bias, where she expresses a liking for social service because it is socially admired. This bias often leads individuals to present themselves in a way that they believe will be viewed favorably by others. In this case, Meenu might claim an interest in social service to align with societal expectations or to gain approval from her friends, even if she does not genuinely prioritize these activities.

3. Lack of Intrinsic Motivation: Another explanation could be a lack of intrinsic motivation. Meenu might not genuinely feel a deep personal commitment to social service but expresses interest because it aligns with socially accepted norms or external pressures. Without intrinsic motivation, she lacks the internal drive to engage in social welfare activities, leading to a gap between her stated interests and actions.

4. Fear of Commitment or Failure: Meenu might also be experiencing fear of commitment or fear of failure. Social service activities often require dedication, time, and effort. Meenu might fear that she will not be able to meet these expectations or that she may fail in her attempts to help others. This fear can cause her to avoid participating, even though she outwardly expresses an interest in social service.

5. Peer Influence and Identity Formation: Meenu is in a stage of identity formation where peer influence plays a significant role. Her friends’ interest in social service may pressure her to express a similar interest, even if she does not genuinely feel inclined. This could lead her to verbally express support for social service activities without engaging in them.

Conclusion: Meenu’s behavior can be understood through various psychological explanations, including cognitive dissonance, social desirability bias, lack of intrinsic motivation, fear of commitment or failure, and peer influence. These factors suggest that while Meenu may express an interest in social service to align with societal expectations or gain social approval, she lacks the internal drive or confidence to actively participate in such activities. To bridge this gap, Meenu may need to develop genuine intrinsic motivation, overcome her fears, and find personal meaning in social service beyond external validation.